Zoot Sims and “The Modern Art of Jazz” album

This 1956 album really reflects and is appropriately named “The Modern Art Of Jazz,” as Zoot Sims and company are more than qualified to represent the Hard Bop movement which began more or less 3 years before. The songs are mostly fast, with plenty of improvising taking place and of course, with great solos in between. I recommend this classic album to all Jazz fans and which in my opinion, could possibly be Zoot Sims’ best recording in a studio atmosphere with him being the leader. Either if you agree with me or not, it doesn’t really matter. There’s one thing for sure though, if you follow Zoot Sims or consider him a great inspiration, then you already have this album. Get this album people!

About the album:

These early 1956 sessions feature Zoot Sims in top form playing a pair of standards and originals by members of the quintet. Bob Brookmeyer is the perfect foil for the tenor saxophonist, as they seamless interweave intricate lines throughout the record, especially in an upbeat take of “September in the Rain.” Pianist John Williams contributed the cool “Down at the Loft” and solos brilliantly on every track. Brookmeyer penned the slinky “Our Pad” with drummer Gus Johnson, a track that would have fit a typical Gerry Mulligan date (with whom both Sims and Brookmeyer worked from time to time). Sims contributed three originals, but the hottest solos come in the closer, appropriately titled “One to Blow On.” Anchoring the……Read More

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